Poulan 425858, 9604200602 Engine, Belts, Transaxle Cooling, Transaxle Pump Fluid, Lubrication

MAINTENANCE

•Rinse the battery with plain water and dry.

•Clean terminals and battery cable ends with wire brush until bright.

•Coat terminals with grease or petroleum jelly.

•Reinstall battery (See “REPLACING BATTERY" in the SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS section of this manual).

V-BELTS

Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after 100 hours of operation and replace if necessary. The belts are not adjustable. Replace belts if they begin to slip from wear.

TRANSAXLE COOLING

The transmission fan and cooling fins should be kept clean to assure proper cooling.

Do not attempt to clean fan or transmission while engine is running or while the transmission is hot. To prevent possible damage to seals, do not use high pressure water or steam to clean transaxle.

•Inspect cooling fan to be sure fan blades are intact and clean.

•Inspect cooling fins for dirt, grass clippings and other materials. To prevent damage to seals, do not use compressed air or high pressure sprayer to clean cooling fins.

TRANSAXLE PUMP FLUID

The transaxle was sealed at the factory and fluid mainte- nance is not required for the life of the transaxle. Should the transaxle ever leak or require servicing, contact your nearest authorized service center/department.

ENGINE

LUBRICATION

Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification SG-SL. Select the oil’s SAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating temperature.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

								SAE 30
				5W-30
	F	-20	0		30	32	40	60	80	100
	C	-30	-20		-10	0	10	20		30	40
		TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
						FIG. 24				oil_visc_chart1_e
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30
etc.) improve starting in cold weather, they will result
in increased oil consumption when used above 32°F.
Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid
possible engine damage from running low on oil.
Change the oil after every 50 hours of operation or at
least once a year if the tractor is not used for 50 hours
in one year.
Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine
and after each eight (8) hours of operation. Tighten
oil fill cap/dipstick securely each time you check the												19
oil level.

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Figs. 24 and 25)

Determine temperature range expected before oil change. All oil must meet API service classification SG-SL.

•Be sure tractor is on level surface.

•Oil will drain more freely when warm.

•Catch oil in a suitable container.

•Remove oil fill cap/dipstick. Be careful not to allow dirt to enter the engine when changing oil.

•Remove yellow cap from end of drain valve and install the drain tube onto the fitting.

•Unlock drain valve by pushing inward and turning counterclockwise.

•To open, pull out on the drain valve.

•After oil has drained completely, close and lock the drain valve by pushing inward and turning clockwise until the pin is in the locked position as shown.

•Remove the drain tube and replace the cap onto to the bottom fitting of the drain valve.

•Refill engine with oil through oil fill dipstick tube. Pour slowly. Do not overfill. For approximate ca- pacity see “PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this manual.

•Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for checking level. Be sure dipstick cap is tightened securely for accurate reading. Keep oil at “FULL” line on dipstick. Tighten cap onto the tube securely when finished.

	OIL DRAIN VALVE
CLOSED	2463
	0
AND
LOCKED
POSITION
	DRAIN
YELLOW CAP	TUBE

FIG. 25